GuideOne Insurance last week reported their findings to Grace Lutheran stating that the failure and damage to the major support beams in the sanctuary are fully covered under our current policy, and the cost for repair and associated extra expense will be underwritten.
In addition, GuideOne is in partnership with a construction company, called GuideOne Taylor Ball. This company manages church restoration projects nationwide, and work done by Taylor Ball is fully guaranteed by GuideOne. When work is ready to begin, Taylor Ball will provide an onsite manager to oversee all work.
No recommendations have yet been made on the best method of repair or restoration, and no timeline is established. However, now that the claims and coverage questions are settled and an experienced construction management company is in place, Grace can focus on the solution with experts who are ready to hit the ground running. It will be a blessing to move forward with minimal financial concerns. A task force of Grace members (listed below) has just started to look at this issue and they will serve as a link between the construction and insurance companies and the church.
More detailed information, reports, letters and ongoing updates will be posted on a bulletin board at church and in future newsletters. Whenever possible, Grace’s website will also have the documents and reports. GuideOne’s website is www.guideone.com and Taylor Ball’s website, which shows projects they have managed, is www.guideonetaylorball.com. Task force members are Stuart Given (chair), Howard Hoyt (architect), Don Steinwehe (engineer), Luke Lohmeyer (insurance) and Maureen Larson (communications).
FACTOID: GuideOne Taylor Ball was created by GuideOne Insurance and Taylor Construction Group. GuideOne Insurance is a leading insurer of houses of worship and has relationships with more than fifty thousand churches nationwide. Taylor Construction Group has more than 50 years of building experience and has been ranked in the top 100 Contractors in the United States by Engineering News Record Magazine.
March 13, 2008 - SANCTUARY UPDATE: Good News! A walk through inspection this afternoon by City of Woodstock and Fire Department officially certified Grace for reopening selected areas of the church. The Office, Narthex , Library, all lower level classrooms, elevator and kitchen can again be used for church activities.
The Sanctuary and all areas directly below the Sanctuary, including Grace Center will remain closed. These areas are considered “construction zones” with limited access until a permanent repair of the beams is completed.
Feb. 11, 2008 - SANCTUARY UPDATE: Services Continue In Luther Hall - The Sanctuary roof has been stabilized Engineering studies continue this week to develop a plan for a permanent repair of the roof. Opening of all other areas of the building to regular church activities will be announced as soon as city authorities reinspections are completed.
